High blood pressure usually produces no symptoms. Occasionally, a sudden rise (hypertensive crisis) does — and needs urgent assessment.
Blood-pressure categories (ESC/ESH 2023)
Normal: <130/85
High-normal: 130–139/85–89
Grade 1 hypertension: 140–159/90–99
Grade 2: 160–179/100–109
Grade 3 / severe: >180/110
Hypertensive urgency: >180/110 without end-organ damage
Hypertensive emergency: >180/110 WITH end-organ damage (chest pain, breathlessness, neurological deficit, severe headache)
Call 112 for hypertensive emergency — high BP PLUS:
Chest pain
Sudden severe headache
Breathlessness
Weakness, numbness, speech difficulty (stroke)
Visual disturbance, blurred vision
Severe dizziness or confusion
Hypertensive urgency — what to do
If BP is high (>180/110) but without emergency symptoms: take your regular medication, rest in a quiet room, recheck after 30 min. If still elevated, call DoktorAkut for assessment. Do not lower BP too rapidly — a drop of more than 25 % in the first hour can harm the brain.
What DoktorAkut can do on site
Confirm blood pressure on both arms, seated and standing
12-lead ECG to check for strain or ischaemia
Neurological examination
IV or oral medication to lower BP gradually (captopril, urapidil, clonidine)
Review current medications — often an adjustment, not an emergency pill, is the right answer
Referral to cardiology or hospital admission for hypertensive emergency
Prescription of ambulatory BP monitor for long-term management
Prevention
Limit salt (<5 g/day)
Moderate alcohol
Regular aerobic exercise (150 min/week)
Mediterranean diet
Weight management
Stop smoking
Regular BP measurement — home monitor is worth the investment
FAQ
Should I take extra BP medication if my pressure is high?
Generally no — take your regular dose, rest, recheck. Additional medication without medical advice can cause dangerous drops.
Is BP 180/100 an emergency?
Only if accompanied by symptoms (chest pain, neurological deficit, severe headache). Otherwise, urgent but not emergency — call DoktorAkut.